WCR This Week

Life Chain witnesses against abortion

October 11, 2010

WCR PHOTO | CHRIS MILLER

Peppy Wallace

CHRIS MILLER
WESTERN CATHOLIC REPORTER

EDMONTON – Year after year, Peppy Wallace keeps coming back for the Life Chain.

"We've got to get our support out there to show that everybody cares. When they see our signs, that might ring a bell with them," Wallace said as he stood along 124th Street holding his sign and waving to passing cars on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 3.

"I think the difference we make is that people recognize us on the streets. If we're not there, nobody cares anymore," Wallace said.

"Abortion is a problem all over the world and we should be saying, 'Enough is enough!'"

About 50 people took part in the Life Chain along 124th Street, across from the Morgentaler Clinic, while many others stood offering a witness in and around Oliver Square, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Life Chain is an hour-long demonstration held annually around the world intended to raise public awareness about abortion.

Some participants learned about the demonstration earlier that morning through their church bulletins.

Others have been faithful participants since the Morgentaler Clinic opened in Edmonton years ago.

Laurie Gallant attended the Life Chain with her husband and four sons. The event provided her family with an opportunity to promote something that is important in their lives and in their faith, she said.

"We thought it was an excellent way to help show our children the whole idea of being pro-life.

WCR PHOTO | CHRIS MILLER

Edmonton pro-life families and individuals taking part in the annual Life Chain Oct. 3 bore witness to the tragedy of abortion.

"We could have stayed home and had a nap - and we really wanted to - but we thought we could offer up to God this extra hour of sacrifice to show the kids that when you believe in something you stand up for it and take time out of your day to do it," said Gallant.

Joe Kasha rode on his motorized scooter. Its licence plate is, appropriately enough, GR8 DAD. Changing attitudes about abortion has been a slow process, but he keeps trying.

"We've been coming out here every week for a number of years. We come out to pray for a stop to abortion," said Kasha, who used to pray at the original Morgentaler Clinic and continues to do so at the new one.

Angelika Kowalczuk participated in the demonstration as a celebration of life, and said it brings her joy being a part of it.

GLAD FOR HER LIFE

"I am here mainly because I really appreciate the fact my mom gave me life, that God gives us life, just the sense of life, everything on Earth, and the importance of that," said Kowalczuk.

She held high a sign that read, "Thanks Mom, for giving me Life!" Car horns honked their support as they passed by.

Pedestrians gave a thumbs-up to the women praying with rosaries and demonstrators holding signs that read "Abortion Hurts Women" and "Jesus Forgives and Heals."

"I am here basically to show that this is important to me. It's important to what I believe and it's important to society," Kowalczuk said.

Changing minds overnight is difficult but a presence on the streets helps spread the pro-life message.